Monochrome Bikinis

Good Morning,

I’ve returned home from Cape Verde to the freezing cold temperatures and crisp winter weather and I’m heading back to work this morning. Before the festivites begin, I’ll be sharing my holiday outfits and some snippets from my week away.

There was a definite colour theme in my bikini choices for this holiday – high waisted black and white or red. I decided after my last holiday that I didn’t have enough black bikinis and as a rule of thumb, I like to wear a black bikini on the first day or so while I work on my tan. Once I have a golden glow, I opt for more colourful options.

I managed to purchase around 12 brand new bikinis ahead of this trip which is pretty ridiculous given I was only going for a week but nevertheless, you can never have too many bikinis as the style and shape reqiured can depend on the occasion or activity so it’s always better to have too many than not enough.

First up is the black and white leopard print. The top is wired and has quite thick straps which give a lot of support. I chose to tuck the straps in to avoid the dreaded tan lines. It’s a clasp back which is good for getting on and off easily. The bottoms are high waist which is my favourite style and shape at the moment. They suit my hourglass figure and I just roll them down when sunbathing, again to avoid nasty tan lines.

Overall this bikini is really flattering. It’s supportive for those with a larger bust without being frumpy. The predominant black with the white leopard print detail is simple and chic and perfect for those first few days when building up a good tan base. I’d say this is a great option if you expect to be participating in sports or activities as it will definitely hold things in the right place without worrying about any bikini malfunctions.

Next up is the black and white gingham print with a little pom pom trim. The bottoms are a similar high waist style, thanks ASOS for designing so many different patterns and prints of this classic shape. Again really flattering for my figure and also helps to hide the food baby after lunch which is always a winner. The top is a different style and shape and much thinner and perhaps more breathable. The Bardot style is ideal for beach holidays ensuring maximum tanning and again no strap lines. The arm cuffs are optional in that I chose to tuck them in whilst sunbathing but quite liked having them on whilst walking around, to the bar for a drink or for a walk along the beach. They add a little detail to the bikini without being over the top or ridiculous.

All in all, this bikini is a lovely addition to my collection and definitely got some attention by the pool. The classic gingham print is easy to wear and the style and shape is ideal for lazy beach days.

Lastly I’ve got a wildcard in this black and white stripe number from River Island. I first spotted this in a different colour on Fashion Mumblr and I liked the design but wasn’t sure it was practical for wearing on holiday or if it was simply a poser bikini. I decided to give it a try and obviously the black and white is more to my style than the multi colour design I had seen on others. When I tried it on I was instantly sold and I couldn’t believe the hold and support it gave which in turn results in a good cleavage and let’s face it, this is important in a bikini. The material on the stripe cross part is not the most comfortable nor swimsuit friendly. That’s the only negative however the fit, hold and shape makes up for it and I was able to wear it without being too uncomfortable.

While I was sunbathing I took my arms out of the straps and folded them over slightly to again give a bandeau style. As you can see I’m all about getting a good tan and it’s important to keep this in mind when buying bikinis. I often lust after beautiful styles which have straps or the classic triangle style as I do feel this gives the most flattering cleavage however there’s nothing I dislike more than tan lines. I have to remind myself ever so often when I’m drawn back to those styles that they’re not practical and if I do purchase, I know that there’s a slim chance they’ll get worn which you’ll note from my next post which includes a strappy number and contradicts everything I’ve just said.

Anyway this bikini is a firm favourite of mine at the moment and was perfect for the type of holiday I was on. It’s flattering, flirty and unique which is never a bad thing.